How to Repurpose Old Tools into Succulent Planters

It’s no secret that I have a love of all things vintage. It’s also no secret that I have a love of gardening. So, unsurprisingly, I adore finding ways to merge these two passions.

Most people see rusted spades, hoes, shovels, and old rakes and dismiss them as trash. But I see treasures in these vintage garden tools waiting for a second life. 

You can easily pick them up at flea markets, estate sales, or garage sales. 

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Today, I have a new idea to share with you. I created this project a few years ago, and it was featured in Better Homes and Gardens.  In it, I repurposed old garden tools into succulent planters. These DIY succulent planters come together easily, making them beautiful and original for your garden or outdoor spaces.

This is a great way to keep those old rusty tools out of the recycling bin and give them new life as garden decor.

Materials Needed 

• Old garden tools (shovels, rakes, dustpans, strainers, or pitchforks)
• A few succulent plants or faux succulents 
• Chicken wire
• Wire
• Wire cutters
• Drill
• Potting Soil for succulents 
• Green moss

How to Repurpose Old Tools into Succulent Planters

For this step-by-step tutorial, I use an old shovel as an example. However, this project can be easily modified to work with other old garden tools. The images show that I have used old containers such as a dustpan, a strainer, and a pitchfork. 

Create a wire cage around your tool to serve as a planting basket

1. Cut a piece of chicken wire wide enough to create a basket around your tool. This piece will likely be no more than about 8” wide. I like to cut the chicken wire lengthwise so you will have a smooth edge at the top of your basket.
2. Drill 4 small holes in the shovel, approximately 6” from the top. Make two holes on each side about 1” apart.
3. Wrap the piece of cut chicken wire around the tool and trim off any excess you may have.
4. Now ,twist the ends of the chicken wire together on the shovel back to connect them.
5. Wrap the bottom of the wire on the front under the edge and around the back. Twist the wire together to secure it.
6. Next, you will need secure the chicken wire to the back of shovel. To do this, thread a piece of wire through the two holes on the front of the shovel, one end into each hole, behind the chicken wire. Twist the two ends together at the back side of the shovel to secure.
7. Repeat #6 on the other side of the shovel, as shown above.

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Prepare for Planting

1. Soak the moss in water for a couple of minutes to hydrate it. It is much easier to work with when it’s moist.
2. Line the inside of the planting basket with moss. You may need to poke some extra moss through the openings of the chicken wire mesh to cover the entire cage and wrap around the edges.
3. Add a few scoops of succulent soil into the moss basket and add a small amount of water.

Plant your succulents

Now, the fun part! You can go ahead and plant your succulents into the soil.

Here are a few tips for arranging succulents to maximize space and create a one-of-a-kind piece.

• Think about color and form as you select your plants.
• Give your design dimension by creating height on one side of the arrangement and hanging something on the other. 
• Start with a large focal point plant and place smaller succulents around and above it.
• Remove excess soil from the root ball to fit more succulents in your planter.
• Insert succulent cuttings into smaller spaces.
• Add moss on top of the remaining soil to keep the dirt in the planter. 

Caring for Succulent Plants

Now that you’ve learned how to repurpose old garden tools into succulent planters, you may wonder how to care for them.

Caring for succulents is relatively easy, thanks to their hardy nature and low maintenance requirements. Here are some of the easiest ways to keep your succulents thriving:

 Proper Lighting

• Succulents prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Place them near a window where they can get plenty of light but avoid direct, harsh sunlight that can cause sunburn.

Correct Watering

• The “soak and dry” method is effective. Water the soil thoroughly, then dry it out completely before watering again. Overwatering is a common mistake; succulents can go longer without water than other plants.

 Suitable Soil

• Use a well-draining potting mix. A cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal because it prevents water from pooling at the roots, which can cause rot.

 Adequate Airflow

• Ensure your succulents are in a well-ventilated area. Good airflow helps prevent pests and diseases.

 Appropriate Pots

• When Planting in a shovel with moss, the water will naturally escape through the moss. 
• If you are planting in Pots, they will need a drainage hole. These allow excess water to escape and help prevent root rot. Terracotta pots are a good option because they’re porous and allow the soil to dry out more efficiently.

 Fertilizing

• Succulents require minimal fertilization. Feeding them with a diluted, balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once per season in spring or summer is sufficient.

Pest Management

• Keep an eye out for common pests such as mealybugs and aphids. You can usually manage these with a gentle spray of water or by applying isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab.

 Pruning and Grooming

• Occasionally, you might need to prune dead or dying leaves to promote healthy growth and maintain the plant’s appearance.

 Acclimatization

• When bringing new succulents home or moving them to a new location, gradually acclimate them to their new lighting conditions to prevent shock.

 Observation

• Regularly check your succulents for signs of stress, such as discoloration or drooping. Early detection of problems makes them easier to address.

Easy Ways to Display Garden Tool Planters

When deciding on a spot for your succulent planter, choose a well-lit area that avoids direct sunlight to ensure it’s thriving.

Long-handled tools like shovels, rakes, and pitchforks can be creatively used to build a vertical garden, such as propping them against a tree or a garden gate or sticking them into the ground.

Hang smaller tools from a fence, gate, or shed wall to save space and add interest.

By thoughtfully grouping planted tools, you embark on a great project that introduces a distinctive and attractive element to your outdoor space, making gardening easy and enjoyable.

Other Great Repurposed Planter Ideas 

If this idea appeals to you, I’ve got various repurposed planter ideas perfect for your succulent garden. You can also explore your thrift store finds for potential planters waiting to be brought to life.

1. You can plant flowers in an old wheelbarrow. Before planting, be sure to drill holes and add rocks for drainage. 
2. Plant an old vintage kitchen sink with some small succulents, and you will have a planter for life. 
3. Plant an old chair for the garden. They make great decorative items in the yard. 
4. Gather some old planters and give them a fresh coat of paint.

Wrapping it Up

This easy DIY project to repurpose old tools into succulent planters has combined my loves of succulent gardening and vintage tools to create beautiful and original artwork.

I love how this simple upcycle elevates vintage tools into planted garden displays to serve a whole new purpose.

What are some of your favorite ways to repurpose old tools in your garden? I would love for you to share with me.

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